Welcome back to a brand new season of Verify in Field! In this exciting first episode of season two, our CEO and host Jacob Edmond sits down with Brad Cairns, a seasoned entrepreneur and fellow podcast host, who has made waves in the woodworking industry. Brad is the founder of multiple innovative ventures including Stolbeck Machines, My Door Factory, Quantum Lean, and Kaizenify. His journey is a testament to the power of innovation and problem-solving in business. Today, Brad shares how his lean journey started from his woodworking roots and evolved into a multi-faceted enterprise impacting the industry. Get ready to dive deep into the world of lean manufacturing, automation, and cutting-edge solutions as Brad reveals the secrets behind his success and how he continues to propel the woodworking industry forward. Whether you’re a woodworking enthusiast or an industry professional, this episode promises to deliver valuable insights and inspiration. Join us as we kick off the season with this captivating conversation that is sure to leave you eager for more.
About our guest
Brad Cairns is a pioneering force in the woodworking industry, known for transforming chaos into streamlined success. His journey began with relentless struggles in woodworking, driving him to seek a better way. The turning point came when he discovered “The Toyota Way,” a book that opened his eyes to efficient business practices and operations. Captivated by the concepts, Brad immersed himself in lean principles for over a decade, assimilating insights from numerous books including “2 Second Lean” and “The Lean Turnaround.” This relentless pursuit of operational excellence led Brad and his woodworking company on a transformative lean journey, revolutionizing their processes and setting new standards in the industry. Brad Cairns stands as a testament to the profound impact of lean philosophy, turning complexity into simplicity and inefficiency into prosperity.
Listen to the Episode
What You’ll Learn
00:00 “Unlocking Efficiency in Woodworking”
05:29 Creating a Lean Sanding Robot
09:14 Benefits of Hiring Key Executives
12:05 Easier Leads to Faster, Cheaper Production
15:27 Optimizing Shipment Processes Efficiently
18:32 Invent vs. Adapt: Decision Strategies
21:18 Partner with Local Industry for Success
24:00 Key Hiring Insight: Essential Lean Coordinator
29:08 Learn Key Lean Woodworking Metrics
32:52 Understanding and Calculating Throughput Dollars
35:07 “Essential Data for Chart Generation”
40:24 Transitioning from Consulting to Industry Impact
43:03 Regret of Delayed Automation
46:08 Understanding Wealthy Customers
49:16 Learn More: Join Our Newsletter
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